P22 million NIA-DAR irrigation systems turned over in Bicol

(Photo courtesy of NIA-5)

LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Bicol have turned over P22 million worth of communal irrigation systems to irrigators associations in the region this week.

This move is meant to ensure a reliable water supply and improved land cultivation for farmers in two provinces.

In an interview on Friday, Ma. Cleofe Baraero, NIA-5 spokesperson, said the project aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision to strengthen the livelihood of farmers and boost the agricultural sector in the country.

The initiatives were funded under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program-Irrigation Component (CARP-IC), which aims to boost agricultural productivity and the livelihood of farmers.

“The projects were a P13 million solar-powered irrigation system in Juban town in Sorsogon and P9 million irrigation system in Malinao and Camalig towns [in Albay],” Baraero said.

She added the completion of the solar-powered irrigation and canalization works measuring 1,043 meters can now reach 89 hectares of rice fields and will benefit 139 farmers in Sorsogon.

Meanwhile in Albay, Baraero said the project will help increase the agricultural productivity of more than 130 farmers and stabilize the water supply in 61.7 hectares in Malinao and 29.6 hectares in Camalig.

“These irrigation projects reaffirm the government’s dedication to advancing agricultural sustainability and food security in the region,” she said.

(With a report from Angelica Serrano, OJT/PNA)